Transesophageal ultrasound probe having a rotating endoscope shaft

ABSTRACT

A transesophageal ultrasound probe for imaging internal structures via an imaging element located on the distal end of a rotating endoscope shaft. The probe includes a rotating endoscope having an imaging element mounted on the distal end of the rotating endoscope shaft. The probe also includes a control handle for controlling the imaging controls and a rotation tube that extends through the rotating endoscope shaft and into the control handle. The rotating shaft rotates relative to, and independently of, the control handle. Preferably, the rotating shaft is rotated via a rotation control wheel. The rotation control wheel is fastened or bonded to the rotating tube so that manual rotation of the control wheel causes the rotation tube to rotate, and therefore, the rotating shaft to rotate. Because the rotating endoscope shaft rotates, an imaging element located on, or within, the rotating shaft also rotates.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/805,819,filed Mar. 22, 2004, which is a continuation of application Ser. No.10/317,158, filed Dec. 10, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,749,572, which is acontinuation of application Ser. No. 09/681,296, filed Mar. 14, 2001,now abandoned. All of these applications are incorporated by referencesin their entireties.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO MATERIALS ON COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A preferred embodiment of the present invention generally relates totransesophageal probes, and more particularly relates to an improvedtransesophageal ultrasound probe having a rotating endoscope shaft.

Various medical conditions affect internal organs and structures.Efficient diagnosis and treatment of these conditions typically requirea physician to directly observe a patient's internal organs andstructures. For example, diagnosis of various heart ailments oftenrequires a cardiologist to directly observe affected areas of apatient's heart. Instead of more intrusive surgical techniques,ultrasound imaging is often utilized to directly observe images of apatient's internal organs and structures.

Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) is one approach to observing apatient's heart through the use of an ultrasound transducer. TEEtypically includes a probe, a processing unit, and a monitor. The probeis connected to the processing unit which in turn is connected to themonitor. In operation, the processing unit sends a triggering signal tothe probe. The probe then emits ultrasonic signals into the patient'sheart. The probe then detects echoes of the previously emittedultrasonic signals. Then, the probe sends the detected signals to theprocessing unit which converts the signals into images. The images arethen displayed on the monitor. The probe typically includes asemi-flexible endoscope that includes a transducer located near the endof the endoscope.

Typically, during TEE, the endoscope is introduced into the mouth of apatient and positioned in the patient's esophagus. The endoscope is thenpositioned so that the transducer is in a position to facilitate heartimaging. That is, the endoscope is positioned so that the heart or otherinternal structure to be imaged is in the direction of view of thetransducer. Typically, the transducer sends ultrasonic signals throughthe esophageal wall that come into contact with the heart or otherinternal structures. The transducer then receives the ultrasonic signalsas they bounce back from various points within the internal structuresof the patient. The transducer then sends the received signals backthrough the endoscope typically via wiring. After the signals travelthrough the endoscope, the signals enter the processing unit typicallyvia wires connecting the endoscope to the processing unit.

Often, in addition to the heart, it may be desirable to image otherinternal structures within the body of a patient. Imaging other internalstructures may require re-positioning of the probe in order to view theinternal organs. Additionally, viewing the heart and/or other internalstructures from various angles and perspectives may requirere-positioning of the probe.

FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional transesophageal ultrasound probe 100according to one embodiment of the prior art. The probe 100 includes acontrol handle 110, a fixed endoscope shaft 120 fastened to the distalend of the control handle 110, and a system cable 130 attached to theproximal end of the control handle 110. The fixed endoscope shaft 120includes a scanhead 122 located at the distal end of the fixed endoscopeshaft 120. The scanhead 122 includes an imaging element 124, such as atransducer (not shown). The control handle 110 includes imaging controls112 mounted on the control handle 110. The imaging controls 112 includeimaging control wheels 114 and scan plane push buttons 116 that controlthe orientation of the scanhead 122. The imaging element 124 isconnected to a processing unit (not shown) via wiring (not shown) thatextends through the scanhead 122 and throughout the length of the bodyof the probe 100. The wiring in the probe 100 is then connected via thesystem cable 130 to the processing unit. The processing unit is thenconnected via wiring to a monitor (not shown) for display of the image.

In operation, the fixed endoscope shaft 120 of the probe 100 isintroduced into the esophagus of a patient. The fixed endoscope shaft120 is then positioned via the control handle 110 so that the internalstructure to be imaged is within the field of view of the imagingelement 124 located on, or within, the scanhead 122. Typically, theprobe 100 is axially rotated to position the desired internal structurein the field of view of the imaging element 124. In order to rotate theendoscope shaft 120, the entire probe 100 must be rotated. That is, thecontrol handle 110 must be rotated so that the imaging element 124 mayimage internal structures from different angles and perspectives. Forexample, to rotate the direction of view 124 of the imaging element ofthe scanhead 122 by 30°, the control handle 110 typically needs to berotated 30° because the fixed endoscope shaft 120 is firmly fixed to thecontrol handle 110. Thus, the fixed endoscope shaft 120 is not allowedto rotate independently of the control handle 110. Therefore, as thecontrol handle 110 is rotated by 30°, the imaging controls 122 will alsobe rotated by 30°. Unfortunately, rotating the imaging controls 122often may cause confusing and/or counter-intuitive operation of theprobe 100. That is, because the imaging controls 112 are fixed, it maybe difficult or impossible for an operator to obtain the images he/shedesires. Further, observing the resulting images from the physicallyrotated probe may be confusing. The confusion may lead to misdiagnosis,risks of injury and/or increased time to perform the imaging procedure.

Therefore, a need has existed for a transesophageal ultrasound probethat provides greater and easier access to images of a patient'sinternal structures. Further, a need has also existed for atransesophageal ultrasound probe that facilitates more intuitive imagingof internal structures from various angles and perspectives.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an internal imaging probe for use in amedical imaging system. The probe includes a rotating shaft, such as arotating endoscope shaft, having an imaging element, such as atransducer, mounted on the distal end of the rotating shaft. The probealso includes a control handle for controlling the imaging element.Preferably, a rotating tube within the probe extends through therotating shaft into the control handle. The rotation of the rotatingtube causes the rotating shaft to rotate. The rotating shaft rotatesrelative to, and independently of, the control handle to which it isconnected. Washers and O-rings provide low friction connections betweenthe rotating tube located in the probe and the control handle.

Preferably, the rotating shaft is rotated via a rotation control wheellocated at the distal end of the control handle. The rotation controlwheel is fastened or bonded to the rotating tube so that manual rotationof the control wheel causes the rotating tube, and therefore therotating shaft, to rotate. Because the rotating shaft rotates, animaging element located on, or within, the rotating shaft also rotates.The rotating shaft may also be set in a locked position so that therotating shaft may be configured, or preset, to various rotatedpositions.

Alternatively, the rotation of the rotating shaft may be fullyautomated. The automated probe may include a motor fixed to a fixedportion of the shaft, or to the control handle. The motor also includesa driving cog wheel, or gear system, that operatively engages a drivencog wheel, or gear system, attached to a rotating portion of the shaft.The rotation of the rotating shaft may then be controlled by levers,potentiometers, or other such devices located on the control handle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional transesophageal ultrasound probeaccording to one embodiment of the prior art.

FIG. 2 illustrates a transesophageal ultrasound probe according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a transverse cross-sectional view of thetransesophageal ultrasound probe of FIG. 2 according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an axial cross-sectional view through the rotationcontrol wheel of the transesophageal ultrasound probe of FIG. 2according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a transverse cross-sectional view of thetransesophageal ultrasound probe of FIG. 2 with a braking mechanismaccording to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a transverse cross-sectional view of atransesophageal ultrasound probe segment according to an alternativeembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates an cross-sectional axial view of the transesophagealultrasound probe segment of FIG. 6 according to an alternativeembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart of a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofthe preferred embodiments of the present invention, will be betterunderstood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For thepurpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings,embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood,however, that the present invention is not limited to the precisearrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings.

FIG. 2 illustrates a transesophageal ultrasound probe 200 according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention. The probe 200 includes acontrol handle 210, a rotating endoscope shaft 220 extending from thecontrol handle 210, and a system cable 230 connecting the control handle210 to a processing unit (not shown). The control handle 210 includesimaging controls 212 mounted on the control handle 210. The imagingcontrols 212 include imaging control wheels 214 and scan plane pushbuttons 216 for controlling the movement of an imaging element 224located on, or within, the distal end of the imaging probe 200. Therotating endoscope shaft 220 includes a scanhead 222. The scanhead 222includes the imaging element 224, such as a transducer. Preferably, theimaging element is located at the distal end of the rotating endoscopeshaft 220. Additionally, the rotating endoscope shaft 220 includes arotation control wheel 226 fastened to the rotating shaft 220 andlocated at the distal end of the control handle 210.

FIG. 3 illustrates a transverse cross-sectional view 300 of thetransesophageal ultrasound probe 200 of FIG. 2 according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention. The cross sectional view 300includes the control handle 210, the rotating endoscope shaft 220, arotating tube 325 having an extended proximal end 326, the rotationcontrol wheel 226, a threaded interface 320, an inner cavity 322, awheel stop area 335, a washer 338, O-rings 334, a tube stop area 337,and a washer 339. The rotating tube 325 extends throughout the body ofthe rotating shaft 220 and into the control handle 210. The inner cavity322 is formed within the rotating tube 325. The rotating tube 325 isfastened to the rotation control wheel 226 at the threaded interface320. The rotation control wheel 226 abuts the wheel stop area 335 viathe washer 338. The washer 338 in turn abuts the control handle 210. Thecontrol handle 210 is connected to the rotation tube 325 via the O-rings334. The control handle 210 abuts the tube stop area 337 via the washer339. The washer 339 in turn abuts the extended proximal end 326 of therotation tube 325. The washer 338 and O-rings 334 provide a low-frictionconnection between the control handle 210 and the rotation control wheel226. Similarly, the washer 339 and O-rings 334 provide a low-frictionconnection between the control handle 210 and the extended proximal end326 of the rotation tube 325. Additionally, the O-rings 334 provide asealing connection between the control handle 210 and the rotating tube325.

FIG. 4 illustrates an axial cross-sectional view 400 through therotation control wheel 226 of the transesophageal ultrasound probe 200of FIG. 2 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 4 includes the rotation tube 325 defining the inner cavity 322, thethreaded interface 320, a reference line 420 illustrating thecircumference of the extended control handle 210 and the control wheel226.

Referring to FIG. 3, the rotating tube 325 is fastened to the controlwheel 226 via the threaded interface 320. Preferably, the rotating tube325 is securely fastened to the rotation control wheel 226 via thethreaded interface 320 with a fastening agent, such as glue or someother fastening agent, that forms a fluid-tight seal. The control wheel226 is separated from the control handle 210 by the washer 338. Forexample, the washer may be a low friction plastic washer that fits overthe rotating tube 325. Alternatively, the washer 338 may be a lockingwasher. In addition to providing a low friction interface between therotation control wheel 226 and the control handle 210, the washer 338also provides a seal between the rotation control wheel 226 and thecontrol handle 210. Additionally, the O-rings 334 form a fluid-tightseal between the control handle 210 and the rotating endoscope shaft220.

The control handle 210 is separated from the proximal end 326 of therotating tube 325 by the washer 339. Preferably, the diameter of theproximal end 325 of the rotating tube 325 is greater than the diameterof the internally introduced portion of the rotating tube 325.Preferably, the proximal end 325 of the rotating tube 325 abuts the tubestop area 337 when the probe 200 of FIG. 2 is fully assembled.

During assembly, the rotation control wheel 226 is rotated on the threadof the rotating rube 325 while the rotating tube 325 does not rotate,thus introducing the proximal end 326 of the rotating tube 325 intocontact with the tube stop area 337 as the rotation control wheel 226comes into contact with the wheel stop area 335. The washer 338 cushionsand seals a low-friction connection between the rotation control wheel226 and the control handle 210 as the rotation control wheel 226 and thecontrol handle 210 come together. Similarly, the washer 339 cushions andseals a low-friction connection between the proximal end 326 of therotation tube 325 and the control handle 210 as the proximal end 326 ofthe rotation tube 325 and the control handle 210 come together.

Once the rotation control wheel 226 has been rotated to its fullestextent, the rotation control wheel 226 is sealed to the rotating tube325 at the threaded interface 320. Thus, the washer 338 forms acompressive seal between the rotation control wheel 226 and the controlhandle 210; and the washer 339 forms a compressive seal between theproximal end 326 of the rotation tube 325 and the control handle 210 atthe tube stop area 337. Washers and O-rings may be integrated as part ofthe rotation control wheel 226, rotating tube 325 or the control handle210 if necessary. For example, if the rotation control wheel 226 iscomposed of hard plastic, then the washer 338 may not be necessary.

In general, the probe 200 of FIG. 2 may be included in a medical imagingsystem. Such a medical imaging system may include the probe 200, aprocessing unit (not shown), and a monitor (not shown). In operation, aninternal structure is imaged by the probe 200 and the resultant image issent to the processing unit for processing and display on the monitor.

Referring again to FIG. 2, in operation, the rotating endoscope shaft220 is introduced into the patient's esophagus via the patient's mouthin a similar fashion as that of the conventional probe 100 of FIG. 1.Once the rotating endoscope shaft 220 is introduced, the rotatingendoscope shaft 220 is positioned such that an internal structure to beimaged is within the field of view of the imaging element 224. Theimaging element 224, such as a transducer, located within the scanhead222 is controlled via the imaging controls 212 located on the controlhandle 210. The imaging element 224 is connected to the imaging controls212 via wiring (not shown) within the inner cavity 322 of the probe 200.During imaging, the imaging element 224 of the scanhead 222 sends andreceives signals through wiring (not shown) located within the innercavity 322 of the imaging probe 200 to a processing unit (not shown) viathe system cable 230. The processing unit receives the signals via thesystem cable 230, which is in turn connected to wiring located withinthe probe 200.

During imaging, the rotating endoscope shaft 220 may be rotated relativeto, and independent of, the control handle 210. That is, the controlhandle 210 may remain in one orientation while the rotating endoscopeshaft 220 is rotated about an axis that is common to both the rotatingendoscope shaft 220 and the control handle 210. In order to rotate therotating endoscope shaft 220 about the common axis, the rotation controlwheel 226 is turned. Because the rotating tube 325 is fastened to therotation control wheel 226, rotation of the rotation control wheel 226causes a corresponding rotation in the rotating tube 325. The rotationof the rotating tube 325 causes the rotating endoscope shaft 220 torotate. The independent rotation of the rotating endoscope shaft 220allows the control handle 210 to remain in the same orientationthroughout the imaging process while the rotating endoscope shaft 220rotates to allow the imaging element 224 of the scanhead 222 to imageinternal structures from different angles and perspectives.

Optionally, the rotating endoscope shaft 220 may be set, or locked, intoposition at any point throughout its rotation by a locking mechanism(not shown). The locking mechanism may be controlled via the rotationcontrol wheel 226, or additional controls located on the control handle210. For example, the rotating endoscope shaft 220 may be locked, orset, into a position corresponding to a position that is comfortable andintuitive to a particular physician, cardiologist, or other user of theprobe 200. For example, an individual may prefer to position the imagingelement 224 fixed to the rotating endoscope shaft 220 at a 30° radialrotation with respect to the imaging controls 212 positioned on thecontrol handle 210 before, and throughout, the imaging process.Alternatively, the rotation of the rotating endoscope shaft 220 may besufficiently stiff so that a locking mechanism is not necessary.

Also, a physical end-stop may be located on the proximal end 326 of therotating tube 325. The end-stop may limit the rotation of the rotatingtube 325 and therefore, the rotating endoscope shaft 220, to 180° orless in order to prevent twisting the various wires and cables (notshown) located in the inner cavity 322 of the probe 220. The end-stopmay be a pin, block, notch, or other stopping mechanism attached to theproximal end 326 of rotating tube 325 that comes into contact withanother pin, block, notch, or other stopping mechanism, attached to theinterior of the control handle 210.

FIG. 5 illustrates a transverse cross-sectional view 800 of thetransesophageal ultrasound probe 200 of FIG. 2 with a low frictionbraking mechanism 805 according to an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention. The cross-sectional view 800 includes the controlhandle 210, the rotating endoscope shaft 220, the rotating tube 325having the extended proximal end 326, the rotation control wheel 226,the threaded interface 320, the inner cavity 322, the wheel stop area335, a single O-ring 370, the tube stop area 337, the washer 339, and alow friction braking mechanism 805. The braking mechanism 805 includes abrake handle 810, a brake limit 820, an flanged cylinder brake 830, anda series of threads 835 between the brake handle 810 and the brake 830.The low friction washer 338 of FIG. 3 is replaced by the low frictionbraking mechanism 805. The brake 830 is threadably fastened onto therotating braking handle 810 via the threads 835. The brake limit 820 ispreferably a spring-ball configuration that limits, or restricts, therotation of the brake handle 810. The brake limit 820 is positionedwithin the main body of the control handle 210 and extends into therotating braking handle 810.

In operation, the brake handle 810 is engaged to brake, or lock, therotation of the rotating tube 325. Preferably, the brake handle 810 isrotated to brake the rotating tube 325. Because the brake 830 isthreadably fastened onto the brake handle 810, the brake 830 moveslinearly towards, or away from, the rotation control wheel 226 as thebrake handle 810 is rotated. As the brake handle 810 rotates in alocking direction, the brake 830 is compressed into the rotation controlwheel 226. The brake 830 brakes the rotation control wheel 226 as thebrake 830 is compressed into the rotation control wheel 226. As therotation of the rotation control wheel 226 is braked, the rotation ofthe rotating tube 325 is also braked. The brake limit 820 limits therotation of the brake handle 810. For example, the brake limit 820 mayinclude pre-defined locked positions that stop the rotation of the brakehandle 810 as the brake handle 810 rotates into one of the lockedpositions. As the brake handle 810 rotates away from the lockingdirection, thereby disengaging the brake 830, the brake 830 moves awayfrom the rotation control wheel 226. As the brake 830 is disengaged, therotation control wheel 226 is able to rotate; thus, the rotating tube325 is able to rotate.

Alternatively, the brake mechanism 805 may include a screw that may bepositioned perpendicular to the surface of the rotating tube 325 via athreaded hole in the control handle 210. As the screw is engaged, thescrew moves toward the rotating tube 325. The screw restricts therotation of the rotating tube 325 as the screw is threaded through thecontrol handle 210 towards, and into, the rotating tube 325. Therotating tube 325 may include notches that may receive the screw. As thescrew enters the notches on the rotating tube 325, the rotation of therotating tube is restricted.

Alternatively, the rotation of the rotating endoscope shaft 220 may becontrolled in various ways. For example, the probe 200 may be fullyautomated. That is, the rotation of the rotating endoscope shaft 220 maybe controlled through the use of motors, gears, and/or cog wheels.

FIG. 6 illustrates a transverse cross-sectional view of atransesophageal ultrasound probe segment 500 according to an alternativeembodiment of the present invention. The transverse cross-sectional viewincludes a fixed endoscope shaft 510, a rotating shaft 540, bearings532, an inner cavity 530, and an O-ring 534. The fixed endoscope shaft510 includes a motor 520 mounted to the interior of the fixed endoscopeshaft 510. The motor 510 includes an axle 524 extending toward thedistal end of the probe segment 500 and a driving cog wheel 526 attachedat the opposite end of the axle 524 from the motor 510. The rotatingshaft 540 includes a driven cog wheel 546 extending into the innercavity 530. The bearings 532 encircle the fixed endoscope shaft 510 andprovide a low-friction connection between the fixed endoscope shaft 510and the rotating shaft 540. The inner cavity 530 is formed within theprobe segment 500 and extends through the fixed endoscope shaft 510 andthe rotating shaft 540. The O-ring 534 encircles the fixed endoscopeshaft 510 and provides a fluid-tight seal between the fixed endoscopeshaft 510 and the rotating shaft 540.

FIG. 7 illustrates an axial cross-sectional view 600 of thetransesophageal ultrasound probe segment 500 of FIG. 6 according to analternative embodiment of the present invention. The cross-sectionalaxial view 600 includes the fixed endoscope shaft 510, the motor 520,the driving cog wheel 526, the inner cavity 530, the bearing 532, therotating shaft 540 and the driven cog wheel 546.

In operation, the rotating shaft 540 is engaged by controls (not shown),such as buttons, levers, or potentiometers, located on the controlhandle 210. The motor 520 is electrically connected to the controls viawiring. When activated, the motor 520 rotates the axle 524, which inturn, rotates the driving cog wheel 526. The driving cog wheel 526operatively engages the driven cog wheel 546. Therefore, as the drivingcog wheel 526 rotates, the driven cog wheel 546 rotates in the samedirection as that of the driving cog wheel 526. The rotation of thedriven cog wheel 546 in turn causes the rotating shaft 540 to rotate inthe same direction as that of the driven cog wheel 546. The scanhead 222located on the distal end of rotating shaft 540 therefore rotates as therotating shaft 540 rotates.

The interface between the rotating shaft 540 and the fixed endoscopeshaft 510 may be located at various points of the probe segment 500. Forexample, the interface between the rotating shaft 540 and the fixedendoscope shaft 510 may be located near the control handle 210, near thescanhead 222, or positioned at various points between the control handle210 and the scanhead 222. Alternatively, the fixed endoscope shaft 510may be part of the control handle 210 of the probe 200 of FIG. 2. Thus,the motor 520 may be attached to the interior of the control handle 210.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart 700 of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. First, at step 710, a physician rotates the endoscopeshaft 220 relative to the control handle 210 to suit the physician'spreference. That is, the physician rotates the endoscope shaft 220 atstep 710 for optimal comfort. Next, at step 720, the physicianintroduces the rotating endoscope shaft 220 into a patient's esophagus.The physician then adjusts, or positions, the rotating endoscope shaft220 to a suitable position for viewing at step 730. That is, thephysician adjusts, or positions, the rotating endoscope shaft 220 to asuitable position for viewing a particular internal structure.

The physician then rotates the endoscope shaft 220 so that the imagingelement 224 points towards an internal structure of interest. Thephysician may either rotate the endoscope shaft 220 relative to thecontrol handle 210 via the rotation control wheel 226 at step 740, orthe physician may rotate the endoscope shaft 220 together with thecontrol handle 210. Next, at step 760, the physician positions therotating endoscope shaft 220 so that an internal structure to be imagedis within the field of view of the imaging element 224 located on thescanhead 222 of the rotating endoscope shaft 220. At step 760, therotating endoscope shaft 220 is positioned via imaging controls 212 orother controls on the control handle 210 so that an internal structureis within the field of view of the imaging element 224 located on thescanhead 222. After the physician positions the rotating endoscope shaft220 so that an internal structure is within the field of view of theimaging element 224, the internal structure is imaged. Finally, at step770, the physician removes the rotating endoscope shaft 220 from theesophagus of the patient after imaging is complete.

Alternatively, the physician may rotate the rotating endoscope shaft 220via the rotation control wheel 226 during the imaging process to viewdifferent internal structures within the body of the patient. Also, thephysician may rotate the rotating endoscope shaft 220 via the rotationcontrol wheel 226 during the imaging process to view the originalinternal structure from a different perspective.

Thus the present invention provides an improved transesophagealultrasound probe that provides greater and easier access to images ofinternal structures within a patient because the probe includes arotating shaft that rotates independently of the probe's control handle.The independent rotation of the rotating shaft provides greater imagingaccess. Further, the transesophageal ultrasound probe having a rotatingendoscope shaft facilitates more intuitive images of internal structuresfrom various angles and perspectives. Additionally, various otherimaging methods, such as live video, may be used with the presentinvention. Also, the present invention is not limited to imaging. Forexample, the present invention may also be utilized in surgicalapplications such as trans-rectal prostate treatment.

While particular elements, embodiments and applications of the presentinvention have been shown and described, it is understood that theinvention is not limited thereto since modifications may be made bythose skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoingteaching. It is therefore contemplated by the appended claims to coversuch modifications and incorporate those features which come within thespirit and scope of the invention.

1. An internal imaging probe including: a control handle; a rotatingendoscope shaft, wherein said rotating endoscope shaft protrudes fromsaid control handle; an imaging element attached to said rotatingendoscope shaft; and a rotation control operable to rotate said imagingelement relative to said control handle about an axis that is common toboth said rotating endoscope shaft and said control handle.
 2. The probeof claim 1, further including a braking mechanism, wherein said brakingmechanism may lock said rotating endoscope shaft into a rotatedposition.
 3. The probe of claim 1, further including a screw, whereinsaid screw restricts rotation of said rotating endoscope shaft.
 4. Theprobe of claim 1, wherein said probe is a transesophagealechocardiography probe.
 5. The probe of claim 1, wherein said rotationcontrol includes a rotation control wheel.
 6. The probe of claim 1,wherein said imaging element is a transducer.
 7. The probe of claim 1,wherein said control handle includes imaging controls for controllingsaid imaging element.
 8. An internal imaging probe including: a controlhandle; an imaging element; and a rotation control operable to rotatesaid imaging element relative to said control handle about alongitudinal axis of said control handle.
 9. The probe of claim 8,further including a rotating endoscope shaft protruding from saidcontrol handle, wherein said imaging element is attached to saidrotating endoscope shaft.
 10. The probe of claim 9, further including abraking mechanism, wherein said braking mechanism may lock said rotatingendoscope shaft into a rotated position.
 11. The probe of claim 9,further including a screw, wherein said screw restricts rotation of saidrotating endoscope shaft.
 12. The probe of claim 8, wherein said probeis a transesophageal echocardiography probe.
 13. The probe of claim 8,wherein said rotation control includes a rotation control wheel.
 14. Theprobe of claim 8, wherein said imaging element is a transducer.
 15. Theprobe of claim 8, wherein said control handle includes imaging controlsfor controlling said imaging element.
 16. An internal imaging probeincluding: a control handle; and an imaging element, wherein saidimaging element is configured to rotate relative to said control handleabout a longitudinal axis of said control handle.
 17. The probe of claim16, further including a rotating endoscope shaft protruding from saidcontrol handle, wherein said imaging element is attached to saidrotating endoscope shaft.
 18. The probe of claim 17, further including abraking mechanism, wherein said braking mechanism may lock said rotatingendoscope shaft into a rotated position.
 19. The probe of claim 17,further including a screw, wherein said screw restricts rotation of saidrotating endoscope shaft.
 20. The probe of claim 16, wherein saidcontrol handle includes imaging controls for controlling said imagingelement.